Hinchcliffe says Russell had reason to look “a bit defeated” after Brazilian GP

James Hinchcliffe said George Russell had reason to look “a bit defeated” after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Russell finished fourth after recovering from a spin at the pit exit when he switched from intermediate tyres to slicks; he had also missed pole to Lando Norris.

On F1 TV’s post-race show, the former IndyCar driver and pundit said repeated setbacks and bad luck over a long season had made it difficult for Russell to stay motivated. In a 16-, 17- or 18-race season, Hinchcliffe said, that difficult stretch would already be over.

Russell entered 2026 as a clear title favourite and won the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese sprint. His teammate Kimi Antonelli went on to win nine grands prix and claim his maiden drivers’ championship.

Russell’s own assessment of Brazil was more qualified: he said Mercedes struggled more on the intermediates late in the race and still had things to understand, but that he was encouraged by his performance and felt more like himself. Mercedes had also secured the constructors’ championship, which Russell described as the team’s most important achievement that weekend.